The British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS), a provincial
non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and
families affected by schizophrenia and severe and persistent mental
illness, is marking National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness
Day (May 24) with the launch of #StandAgainstStigma, a campaign to
address misconceptions and stigma surrounding schizophrenia through
education.
"For far too long, schizophrenia has been shrouded with
misconceptions and stigma, leading to profound misunderstandings
about the illness and those living with it," says Faydra Aldridge,
CEO of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society. "With the launch
of our campaign, we’re determined to challenge stereotypes that
have unfairly burdened individuals, families and caregivers to
foster a society where schizophrenia is met with hope instead of
shame and discrimination.”
Schizophrenia and other severe and persistent mental illnesses
can impact anyone - they do not discriminate. While the prevalence
of schizophrenia is often reported as 1%, the BCSS released a
paper1 (based on Canadian and international studies) outlining a
recommendation to adopt 1.8% as the schizophrenia prevalence rate
in Canada, with the understanding that it could be higher.
Undiagnosed schizophrenia and underreporting are prevalent due to
widespread stigma, narrow definitions of severe and persistent
mental illness, and the exclusion of certain populations.
“While we’ve come a long way in how we talk about brain
illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizophrenia spectrum disorders,
and bipolar disorder, we still have a long way to go,” says Faydra
Aldridge, CEO of BCSS. “Through education and awareness, we hope to
foster a more compassionate and supportive society for all those
affected by severe and persistent mental illness and their family
members.”
While there is no ‘cure’ for schizophrenia, with timely and
appropriate treatment and care, people with schizophrenia can have
improved symptoms and lead healthy, happy and fulfilling lives,
employment and relationships. Despite this, only 15% of Canadians
with schizophrenia are employed, with stigma and lack of support or
access to appropriate treatment being the largest contributors.
“National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day has become
an impactful day for our family, as it helps to create awareness
and start conversations about serious mental illness,” says
Suzie Warneke who has a family member with
schizophrenia. “Walking alongside someone who lives with a
mental illness can be frightening, lonely, uncertain and hopeless,
but when a caring, safe and supportive community can be found all
those feelings can be changed. Knowing that you are not walking
this journey alone is a crucial part of experiencing hope for
everyone involved. BCSS has provided our family with a safe and
caring place to be educated, find support and even provide spaces
for us to share our story with others to help reduce the stigma
associated with mental illness and provide hope to others who may
be on a similar journey. Today our family will be wearing purple
and ready to share our story with others as we seek to reduce
stigma and increase knowledge.”
In honour of National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day
on May 24th, landmarks throughout British Columbia are set to
illuminate in purple. This symbolic act highlights the province's
dedication to mental wellness and its continued support for
individuals and families dealing with schizophrenia and severe and
persistent mental illness.
By embracing the #LightUpInPurple movement and sharing pictures
on social media, we can strengthen and promote understanding while
breaking the stigma associated with schizophrenia, psychosis, and
other serious and persistent mental illnesses.
On Friday, May 24th, keep an eye out for these landmarks, and
more that are lighting up in purple:
- BC Place (Vancouver, BC)
- Bloedel Conservatory (Vancouver, BC)
- New West City Hall (New Westminster, BC)
- Vancouver Convention Centre (Vancouver, BC)
- BC Legislature (Victoria, BC)
- Vancouver City Hall and Burrard Street Bridge (Vancouver,
BC)
- Surrey Civic Plaza (Surrey, BC)
- Science World (Vancouver, BC)
- Victoria Street Bridge (Trail, BC)
- Columbia River Skywalk Bridge (Trail, BC)
- White Rock Pier (White Rock, BC)
- Kelowna General Hospital (Kelowna, BC)
- World’s Largest Hockey Stick (Duncan, BC)
Let's come together to build a more compassionate
and inclusive society and ensure everyone receives the care and
understanding they deserve. BCSS encourages everyone across the
province to snap a photo of these landmarks on that day and
share it on social media with the tag #LightItUpPurple and
#StandAgainstStigma.
In addition to lighting up landmarks, we are pleased to share
that BCSS will screen the documentary 'Insanity: The Mental Health
Crisis' by director, Wendy Hill-Tout, and host a panel discussion
recognizing National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day on
Saturday, May 25, 2024. This event will take place at the Rio
Theatre from 12:00 to 2:15 pm. To learn more about this event and
get tickets, please click here.
For more information about the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS),
severe and persistent mental illnesses and psychosis, National
Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day and/or information on how
to donate to support BCSS’ programs and services, visit
www.bcss.org. You can find the media kit here.
ABOUT BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS)The
British Columbia Schizophrenia Society is a non-profit organization
founded in 1982 by families and friends of people living with
schizophrenia. Since then, BCSS has grown into a province-wide
family support system.
BCSS provides vital front-line education and support for
families across British Columbia impacted by schizophrenia,
schizoaffective disorder, and other severe and persistent mental
illnesses. BCSS is dedicated to increasing awareness and advocating
for additional and more effective services for people with these
brain illnesses and their family members.
BCSS MissionTo support families affected by
schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses in British
Columbia through education, advocacy, and research.
BCSS VisionA province where those affected by
schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses receive effective
treatment and support, and family members are an essential partner
within the mental health system.
CONTACT
Yulu PRAlicia Arruda,
Alicia.Arruda@yulupr.com
BC Schizophrenia SocietyAlex Wyatt,
communications@bcss.org
1 Prevalence paper:
https://www.bcss.org/wp-content/uploads/resources/Schizophrenia-Prevalence-Position-FINAL.pdf